Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney announced Thursday that more than $3 million will be funnelled into the at-risk youth program over next five years

Scarborough youth who may fall prey to a violent gang lifestyle are being targeted by a new federally funded program intended to decrease their contact with police and the justice system.

The “Taking Action Against Gangs Scarborough” project will work with more than 500 adolescents in the Scarborough area who are at risk of becoming involved with gangs.

“Through strict supervision and consistent support from youth workers, this project will aim to hold youth accountable, increase their success in school and employment,” Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney said on Thursday.

The program will receive more than $3.4 million from the federal government over the next five years. Blaney also announced that Scarborough Centre MP Roxanne James will serve as his new parliamentary secretary.